Bad weather conditions raise worry among farmers in and around Khanna

Khanna, April 4, 2015: Although Khanna Administration has claimed to have made proper arrangements for the purchase of wheat but the crop is yet to arrive in Asia’s biggest grain market at Khanna due to rough weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the state government is also yet to announce date of procurement of wheat. Usually, the procurement begins from April 1 every year. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, Chairman, Punjab Mandi Board, on being contact, said that harvesting of wheat was about 10 days late and procurement would start after about 10 days as there was no crop in the market. 

Adding, Lakhowal said there was a loss of about 20 per cent due to bad weather, and demanded compensation for the farmers of the state from central government. 

Ashwani Modgill, Secretary, Market Committee, Khanna said they have completed all arrangements for the procurement of wheat in Khanna and other adjoining grain markets falling under Khanna grain Market. 

Adding, Modgill said 10 lakh 29 thousand and 809 quintals of wheat was purchased last year at Khanna and they were confident to achieve this target this year also despite bad weather. He added all procurement agencies of the state including Pungrain, Punsup, Markfed, Warehouse and Punjab Agro had received orders from the state to purchase crop from Khanna grain market and the purchase was expected to start from second week of April.

Meanwhile BKU President Balvir Singh Rajewal said that the Centre had directed procurement of wheat under the pressure of farmers unions and also have released funds for the first phase of procurement.

Meanwhile, the existing bad weather has raised fear of unseasonal rains and the farmers are praying for clear sky.